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ALBANY, N.Y. - Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a seven-point gun control agenda in the 2013 State of the State address Wednesday, including the "toughest assault weapon ban in the nation."

"No one hunts with an assault rifle, no one needs 10 bullets to kill a deer," Cuomo said. "Too many people have died already. Pass safe, reasonable gun control in the state of New York."

Gun control has become an important issue for lawmakers following last month's deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Many politicians have been calling for tighter regulations on the sale of guns and ammunition.

In addition to a stricter assault rifle ban, Cuomo called for the state legislature to close the private sale loophole by requiring federal background checks, ban high capacity magazines, and enact tougher penalties for illegal gun use. Cuomo specifically referred to illegal uses such as guns on school grounds or guns used in gang violence.

"Keep guns from people who are mentally ill," said Cuomo. "Ban direct Internet sales of ammunition in New York."

Cuomo also called for ammunition sales in New York to be run through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, known as NICS. This system is currently used to background-check anyone purchasing a gun from a licensed federal gun dealer.

Gun control legislation was enacted by
Republican Gov. George Pataki, in 2000.
Some of New York's current gun control measures include background checks at all gun shows and a ban on certain types of assault rifles. Pistols are required to be registered and permitted in New York. Long guns and shotPol guns are legal, but do not require permits.